Happy Sunday and we hope you had a great week. It was a busy week of Royal Caribbean fun, and we have a round-up of all of it in this hand-dandy blog post.

After weeks of news related to the coronavirus and its impact on canceled cruises, lower revenue, and fear among guests, we got a positive out of it when Royal Caribbean announced it will move Spectrum of the Seas to Australia and offer free cruises to first responders there.

The free cruises are a gesture to thank the humanitarian efforts put forth to combat the wildfires.

Spectrum of the Seas will travel to Australia and be deployed on complimentary cruises sailing from Sydney in support of Australia's first responder community, who worked tirelessly over many weeks of the bush fire crisis.

Royal Caribbean News

• The first Royal Beach Club in Antigua is officially go for construction.
• Royal Caribbean lifted the ban on Chinese passport holders due to coronavirus.
• Royal Caribbean issued earnings guidance on how coronavirus is impacting its bottom line.
• Eight things you should know about the Coco Beach Club.
• Our newest video shares 12 things you can only find on Royal Caribbean.
• In case you are wondering, how early can I board my Royal Caribbean cruise?
• Our list of the things you should book before they sell out later.
• 8 tips for your first Royal Caribbean cruise.
• You can now book a NextCruise certificate from Royal Caribbean's app.
• Here is a list of Royal Caribbean's travel partners of the year in 2019.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 341st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt answers emails our listeners have sent in.

This week's podcast episode is dedicated to you, as Matt doubles down on listener emails to answer as many as he can on this week's episode.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 10 Things People Don't Realize About Royal Caribbean's Alcohol Package

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 10 Things People Don't Realize About Royal Caribbean's Alcohol Package — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Happy weekend! We hope you are having a wonderful weekend, now it’s time to kick back, relax, and catch up on another week of Royal Caribbean news!

We had a chance this week to check out the brand new Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The exclusive beach area on Royal Caribbean's private island offers a secluded area where guests that wish to pay extra for upgraded food and service.

Coco Beach Club represents the completion of the original Perfect Day at CocoCay plans.

Royal Caribbean News

• Anthem of the Seas was delayed in leaving due to the media reporting on speculative rumors of coronavirus onboard.
• Check out our Coco Beach Club floating cabanas photo tour.
• Chinese passport holders are banned from Royal Caribbean due to coronavirus fears.
• Is the drink package worth it on Royal Caribbean?
• New photos of the Crown and Anchor logo being prepared for Odyssey of the Seas.
• We reviewed Chef's Table dinner on Mariner of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean updated its coronavirus screening procedures.
• Our full review of the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day in Nassau, Bahamas.
• There is still time to take advantage of a pre-cruise sale on drink packages, internet and more.
• Photo tour of the category 6V interior stateroom on Mariner of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 340th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt shares a live review of the Coco Beach Club.

Matt visited the brand new exclusive area of Perfect Day at CocoCay to share his thoughts on why you might want to go there.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean dining questions I get asked all the time!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Royal Caribbean dining questions I get asked all the time! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Happy weekend! We hope you are in the midst of a wonderful weekend full of friends, fun, and plenty of things to do to pass the time between cruises.  We have a summary of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news in case you missed any of it!

Royal Caribbean opened the Coco Beach Club, marking the completion of the Perfect Day at CocoCay makeover of the private island.

The exclusive beach club touts the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas, an oceanfront infinity pool, beach cabanas, a dedicated restaurant with upscale dining and an exclusive bar.

Rounding out Perfect Day at CocoCay is the opening of two refreshed beaches – Breezy Bay at Chill Island and South Beach – open to all guests on the island.

Royal Caribbean News

• Three sailings have been canceled due to the coronoavirus outbreak.
• Royal Caribbean added new coronavirus screening procedures across the fleet.
• The Diamond Happy Hour menu has been updated to include virgin frozen drinks.
• We shared the new Perfect Day at CocoCay 2020 map.
• The February offer provides 60% off second guest, kids sail free, and more.
• What is an Alaska inside passage cruise?
• Here is everything you wanted to know about Liberty of the Seas.
• What to pack for a cruise to Alaska.
• Our full review of El Cozumeleno day pass in Cozumel.
• Royal Caribbean provided a look at its first barbecue restaurant.
• Rhapsody of the Seas had been added to the Royal Caribbean app.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 339th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we take an in-depth review of Brilliance of the Seas.

The first day on a cruise is a busy and exciting day, so Matt walks you through what to expect.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Best Royal Caribbean tips repeat cruisers always use

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Best Royal Caribbean tips repeat cruises always use — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

South Florida Business Journal reported on Richard Fain receiving a lifetime achievement award.

CruiseHabit provided the advantages and disadvantages of carry-on versus checked luggage for a cruise.

CruiseHive shared 9 reasons to cruise on Anthem of the Seas.

Hope you had a great week (maybe one week closer to your next Royal Caribbean cruise?) and you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

Royal Caribbean put a new set of Jewel of the Seas sailings from Galveston on sale.

The new sailings were added as Jewel of the Seas will go to Galveston in December 2020 to temporarily takeover for Liberty of the Seas while Liberty undergoes her Amplification in January.

Jewel of the Seas arrives early with new itinerary options from Galveston, including two transatlantic options, two sailings to Colon, Panama, plus two new sailings to Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Nassau, and Key West.

Royal Caribbean News

• A man jumped to his death from Oasis of the Seas.
• Spotted: Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to sail from Los Angeles in 2021.
• Do cruise prices drop?
• How to add custom events to the Cruise Planner.
• What I wish I'd known before I went on Harmony of the Seas.
• What is the best location on a cruise?
• There is still time to take advantage of a pre-cruise purchase sale.
• How to make towel animals just like on a Royal Caribbean ship.
• What should I expect on my first Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 338th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we take an in-depth review of Brilliance of the Seas.

Matt and Billy review their 4-night Western Caribbean sailing on Brilliance of the Seas, with the focus on Billy's first Radiance Class experience.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Why you don't need to buy Royal Caribbean's The Key

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Why you don't need to buy The Key — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around The Internet

The Points Guy previewed the 8 most exciting new cruise ships of 2020.

Cruise Habit shares a look at Coronavirus and what to be aware of right now.

Cruise.Blog reported on the latest with the lawsuit related to the grandfather that dropped a toddler to her death.

We may be in the depths of winter, but there is always plenty of Royal Caribbean news to keep you focused on a cruise to (perhaps) somewhere warm(er).

Sailing on Anthem of the Seas? You want to check out the new augmented reality game you can play.

The interactive game is called Expedition Two70, and was first introduced on Spectrum of the Seas.

The game is free to play, and simply requires guests have the Royal Caribbean app installed on their mobile device.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean applied to trademark "Make Ship Happen" pun.
• Here is how to maximize your drink package purchase.
• Avoid these top packing mistakes!
• Here is what to pack for a cruise to Alaska.
• Don't overpay! How to save money on shore excursions.
• Our review of the Aruba Sunset Cocktail Cruise excursion
• We were live blogging from Briliance of the Seas this weekend!

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 337th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt and Annette break down what a group cruise is all about.

Perhaps you have heard of one of our RoyalCaribbeanBlog group cruises? Whether you have or not, this week's episode is all about what these sailings are and why going on them is so much fun.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 8 must-do Royal Caribbean can't-miss activities!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 8 must-do Royal Caribbean can't-miss activities — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Carib Journal wrote about a new Royal Caribbean ship in the Caribbean in 2020.

CruiseHive shared what a cruise on a small Royal Caribbean ship is all about.

Weekly World News lampooned a cruise that literally goes to hell.

Welcome to this week's round-up of all the Royal Caribbean news and happenings.  Hope you are staying warm and are ready to cozy up to some great Royal Caribbean fun.

Royal Caribbean cancelled five Liberty of the Seas sailings in 2021 in order to provide more time for the ship to be upgraded.

The cruise line confirmed that five sailings are being cancelled, beginning with the February 14, 2021 sail date.

Royal Caribbean has not announced what changes and upgrades are coming to Liberty of the Seas yet.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribean released the 2021-2022 deployment schedule.
• Despite an earthquake in the region, there were no changes to Royal Caribbean's cruise schedule.
• You can now update your check-in information much easier with Royal Caribbean's app.
• There is still time to take advantage of a pre-cruise sale and save up to 30% off things like drink packages, internet, excursions and more.
• Our eight Southern Caribbean cruise tips and secrets.
• If you were wondering: how far in advance to book a cruise to get the best price.
• A new line of enhanced retail offerings debuted on Oasis of the Seas.
• Check out our video of the most super expensive Royal Caribbean experiences.
• Answers to some of the most asked Royal Caribbean drink package questions.
• Sage advice on how to avoid getting sick on a cruise.
• We posted a photo tour of a two bedroom grand suite on Freedom of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 336th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt and Ken review the recently completed RoyalCaribbeanBlog group cruise on Freedom of the Seas.

Having just wrapped up a 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise on Freedom of the Seas, Matt and Ken share their experiences with the group, as well as in each port the ship visited.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: What's coming to Royal Caribbean in 2020

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — What's coming to Royal Caribbean in 2020 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Travel Weekly wrote about the "whole truth" when it comes to cruise pricing.

JJ Cruise posted a behind the scenes tour of Portside BBQ on Oasis of the Seas.

Happy New Year! Before we pop champagne and toast to a better year next year, we have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share.

It looks like the chat feature in Royal Caribbean's app may be going fleetwide in the second half of 2020.

An email from the app team indicates they, "hope to have chat on all of our ships by the third or fourth quarter of 2020."

Royal Caribbean News

• New visa requirements were announced for cruises visiting Vietnam.
• Royal Caribbean announced a new cruise fare sale, and a new sale on pre-cruise purchases.
• An update on St. Martin following the political demonstrations.
• A look at the Christmas main dining room menu.
• Is a balcony room worth the price?
• Matt is live blogging from Freedom of the Seas, beginning later today.
• Here is what is (and what is not) worth spending extra on your Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Why you do not want to wait to book a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• We shared the best reader cruise photos of 2019.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 334th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, which previews his upcoming cruise on Freedom of the Seas.

On this episode, Annette & Matt looks previews the next Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise, which kicks off this weekend.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: The cheapest months to go on a cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — The cheapest months to go on a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Eat Sleep Cruise shared a review of Jamie's Italian on Navigator of the Seas.

Life Well Cruised has 10 cruise experts share their best cruising with kids tips.

Merry Christmas! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

There was a lot of Royal Caribbean news this week, but the big news came when Royal Caribbean announced new 2021-2022 sailings in Europe and the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean released additional new 2021 European sailings for booking on two ships, Odyssey of the Seas & Adventure of the Seas.

In addition, they then released additional 2021-2022 7-Night or Longer Caribbean sailings.

If that was not enough, Allure of the Seas sailings out of Galveston also went on sale this week.

Royal Caribbean News

• We shared a few new Odyssey of the Seas construction photos.
• Royal Caribbean has a new Sip Tour Brunch galley tour available to book.
• Here are the top 10 Royal Caribbean stories of 2019.
• Six big changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2020.
• A new Royal Caribean steel tumbler is for sale on select ships.
• Are you wondering what is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• Check out our 2020 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning guide.
• Our guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay cabanas.
• Our readers shared one big mistake they made on their first Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean UK launched a new family focused television commercial.
• Here is what is free on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 331st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt shares five things he would do differently in 2020.

On this episode, Matt looks back at how he has been cruising and provides a few changes he hopes to make in his cruising habits in 2020.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Come cruise the Norwegian Fjords with us!

Have you ever dreamed of sailing to Europe and seeing the amazing fjords in Norway? Matt and the staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com are inviting YOU to join them on an exclusive group sailing aboard Anthem of the Seas for an 8-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords from Southampton, UK!

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

New RCB Video: Surprising facts about Oasis of the Seas

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Surprising facts about Oasis of the Seas — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Addicts wrote about how cruising on Symphony of the Seas is just plain different.

Business Insider shared how Royal Caribbean uses a psychological trick to get you to spend more money.

The Cherokeean Herald reviewed their Alaska cruise on Ovation of the Seas.

Good news, we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!  In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

Royal Caribbean made headlines this week with the announcement it will build a brand new state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Galveton, and announced it will send an Oasis Class cruise ship there to be homeported.

Allure of the Seas will be based in Galveston, beginning in November 2021 and offer 7-night sailings.

The brand new Terminal 3 will be big enough to handle Royal Caribbean's largest cruise ships, including an Oasis Class ship or the new Icon Class ships slated to debut in 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

• A volcano in New Zealand erupted while a Royal Caribbean shipw as nearby.
• Royal Caribbean cancelled all shore excursions that visit active volcanoes.
• Spectrum of the Seas sailings from China in 2021 were released.
• There are still a few days left in Royal Caribbean's pre-cruise sale.
• Check out our first timer's guide to Oasis of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean was named Best Cruise Line Overall for the 17th consecutive year.
• I shared my favorite Royal Caribbean cruise hacks.
• When is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?
• We made a new video that looks at ten awesome free things to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Russia has announced new rules for cruise ship visitors that go to St. Petersburg on your own.
• Our full review of the Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 332nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt talks with podcast listener Kurt about his recent Adventure of the Seas cruise.

In this episode, Kurt shares why he booked Adventure of the Seas, what he thought of the ship, activities, excursions and more during his sailing.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Cruise with Matt to New England and Canada!

Have you heard about our group cruise for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Brilliance of the Seas? This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on a fantastic Brilliance of the Seas sailing on an 7-night cruise to Canada & New England.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

New RCB Video: 6 things you should buy before Royal Caribbean raises the price

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 6 things you should buy before Royal Caribbean raises the price — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Addicts wrote about how cruising on the world's biggest cruise ship is just different.

Travel Awaits listed 8 things you can do at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Happy December! We cannot believe that we are already one full week into the month – there is so much going on with holiday preparation and shopping and baking!

Royal Caribbean revealed its 2021-2022 Northeast, Canada & Bermuda sailings and opened them for booking.

Six ships will offer sailings from this region, including the return of Oasis of the Seas to Cape Liberty for another summer season.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will offer early bird slide access at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cruise Critic named Royal Caribbean the very best in three categories.
• Martinique will require new travel document rules for visits soon.
• We shared the top 10 Oasis of the Seas hidden secrets.
• Check out the 2020 Royal Caribbean Drink Package guide.
• Brilliance of the Seas holds a new Guiness World Record.
• Our full review of Portside BBQ on Oasis of the Seas.
• In case you are wondering how many formal nights are on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Some important reasons to get travel insurance for your cruise vacation.
• Take a photo tour of a Category 2C Ocean View Stateroom on Oasis of the Seas.
• We reviewed a fun Polynesian dinner show in Fort Lauderdale.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 331st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available to enjoy, where Matt reviews his recent sailing on Oasis of the Seas.

Oasis of the Seas is back in service after the cruise line made a ton of changes to this already impressive ship, and Matt shares what he thought of them all in this week's episode.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Top 10 cruise packing mistakes

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Top 10 cruise packing mistakes — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

In The Loop Travel shared the 21 best things on Symphony of the Seas.

Insider provided a look at how one performer onboard lives and works at sea.